As others have said, TT is a big factor in the final sound, as is the arm, but for carts you must look into the Aidas Panzerholz Diamond cart. It is quite simply the best value cart available at the moment, and selling at under $2k, it compete's with carts $5-7K+. I took a punt and it paid off, bought from Agon seller gr audio. Replaced an ART-9 and beat it across the board so conclusively I sold the ART-9 the next week, if I needed a spare cart I'll buy another Aidas..
Looking for the best moving coil cart that is around $5K used
I currently have a Dynavector drt xvs1 and am looking to upgrade. In my experience, the TT has little to do with the sound. I have a $400 Pioneer PL 71, and It gives me just as good of sound a my VPI-Scoutmaster . I’m looking for a used moving coil cart around $5K. I like clear sound, not too bright, but very articulate and good tight bottom end. Please give your suggestions and why. BTW my phono preamp is a Rhea Signature with new low noise tubes. Sounds great, just looking for the elusive unicorn